Monster Magnet & Margarita Witch Cult, KK’s Steel Mill - 24.09.24
There is something primeval and immortal about Monster Magnet (10). They seem to have been around forever, but only very occasionally do they reveal themselves. Tonight saw the opening night of their latest visitation to these shores and anticipation was running high.
So it was that the young trio of doomsters from just down the road, walked out to an already packed room. This didn’t faze Margarita Witch Cult (9) one little bit down as the Brummies drew on all that heavy metal heritage and exploded into the first track, Arcadia. The opening buzzsaw riffs set the tone. This was pure, stoner doom sludginess that was heavy but groove laden. Most of the set was made up from songs taken off their 2023 self-titled release, with the highlights being Lord Of The Flies and The Witchfinder Comes, but the big surprise of the night was the excellent cover of the 80s Billy Idol pop hit White Wedding, yes a doom version, but it worked! Big grin engaged!
The atmosphere after that had only got more intense with anticipation. There was a perceptible buzz filling the cavernous space of the old Star Works factory, the dry ice machine was working overtime (much to Tony’s and the other photographers dismay!)
A high bar stool was placed front and centre next to a keyboard/sequencer, only adding to the tension. There had been speculation about Wyndorff’s health. We were about to find out. The band made their way onto stage, with Wyndorff gingerly making his way to the stool. Without a word, they dove into the cataclysmic epicness of Dopes To Infinity and all doubt was gone. Although half standing, half seated with his leg resting on the monitor, Wyndorff still struck an imposing stance. The Space Lord had landed and he was here to blow your mind! With his usual dark humour, he proceeded to explain his predicament. “I had a triple vaccine shot before flying out, and it’s fucked up my body!” With a wry smile “I can either sit down and be good, or stand and be shit” to which the crowd cheer and applaud.
Thankfully, he stayed seated and wasn’t shit! With his SG slung low and the keyboard being manipulated to give us those signature space rock psychedelic vibes, the rest of the band helped smash out a dark atmospheric set that was one for the connoisseurs. Following up Dopes with the headbanging goodness of Tractor they treated us to some classic Monster Magnet from the past 35 years. A set that swung from heavy riffness to pure space rock tripiness, Ego, The Living Planet, Zodiac, Bummer and the 15 minutes of pure indulgence that is Spine Of God were standouts.
As Wyndorf hobbled off stage, there was uncertainty whether there would be an encore, but after a short interval, the band made their way back and started slowly, quietly playing the unmistakable chords of Space Lord, Wyndorff came back on his eyes full of light and energy and we all got to sing along to their unofficial anthem “Space Lord Mutha………” to finally blow our minds. I’m not sure of the set time, but however long it was, it was glorious. Hopefully Wyndorff (who will be 68 at the end of October!) will get healthy again and we’ll get chance to go power trippin’ with him once again.
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